Any one using a dish to connect to the internet?

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Supporting Actor

Reason I ask is because we live in a very small town that will never see DSL, Broadband or what ever. Sure I connect at 50,666 but even that has gotten extremely slow. We need more power.
So, I was wondering if anyone was using a satellite dish to connect, what the hook up charges were and what the monthly cost is and finally is it some-what comparable to DSL speeds? The wife is really pushing for this.
Shawn
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Dear Tick: What would you do if bees took over the world?
Egad, Hogarth! When the bees implement their worldwide Fascist regime, I will be the first to go down into the honey mines. I will be the first to carry their squirming larvae in my teeth, to smear royal jelly on their chosen queen. And why? Good heavens! On account of the stinging!

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"A human being is part of the whole called by us the Universe. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest --a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection...

Cinematographer

I use DSL but I can tell you what I know. The only performance issue with satellite systems is lag. They are very fast when surfing websites, getting email, or downloading files but don't expect great ping times on Tribes 2.
Pricing is a tough area too. I haven't checked recent prices but it's usually 30% to 50% more than DSL or cable. Perhaps that is changing though.
It's a great alternative to rural areas if you're willing to pay for the service.

Screenwriter

Equipment cost is a huge issue - usually around $400. And then you are stuck paying $69+ for monthly service that is slower than any other broadband solution. Dish Networks service was plagued with problems in the beginning, but may have gotten better.
Hey, if you have the cash to blow then that is one thing. However, I could not justify it.
C. Ryan
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Supporting Actor

Yeouch! That is a bit spendy. Since I already have Dish Networks for TV, perhaps I will give them a call and see if they can reduce the price for some kind of package deal.
I don't plan on moving any time soon so this seems to be the only alternative. *sigh*
I guess I'll go check out their website and see what they offer now.
Thanks all!
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Dear Tick: What would you do if bees took over the world?
Egad, Hogarth! When the bees implement their worldwide Fascist regime, I will be the first to go down into the honey mines. I will be the first to carry their squirming larvae in my teeth, to smear royal jelly on their chosen queen. And why? Good heavens! On account of the stinging!

Expand signature

"A human being is part of the whole called by us the Universe. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest --a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection...

Screenwriter

You will not receive any deals from DishNetwork. The company that offers satellite internet through Dish is called Starband. They are a separate company that simply offers internet service through hardware that can also be used for Dish Network programing. Basically, you get $10 off the $69.99 per month IF you also subscribe to AT150.
You have to replace your current dish with the one provided by Starband. Equipment cost is $549 and this includes everything for interent - Modem, Dish, transmitter, and mounting hardware. Installation is $199 and is REQUIRED.
So you are looking at $748 up front no matter how you look at it. You also have to sign a one-year subscription. All Starband users in the first year copmlained constantly of no connection for weeks at a time and were receiving no credit for lack of service. That may have all been ironed out by now though.
C. Ryan
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